Saturday, March 2, 2013

The BEST NISMO Parts Catalog?

So in my quest to find all catalogs relating to the R33 GT-R, I recently found this:

At first, I wasn't too excited. But then I realized that this catalog was published after the 1997 Series 3 cars came out. Honestly I wasn't expecting anything new, as NISMO tends to upgrade their product offerings very slowly. But one page grabbed my attention (click HERE to see all the pages).

First, I had no idea that NISMO had offered a gauge panel for the glove box, as above. However, I'm not a big fan of driving around with my glovebox open, so this was interesting but probably not something I would buy even if I came across it somewhere (if they even exist now?).

The "Navi In Multi Meter" I have seen before on Yahoo Auctions. Tempting, except that the this instrument panel is not exclusive to the GT-Rs and so it doesn't have the GT-R logo, for one. Also, GT-R nerds like me, appreciate how the speedometer needle is horizontal at rest, and the tach needle points straight down. Plus, the redline of the tach is at 7000rpm, and you lose the oil pressure gauge. Again not designed for the GT-R. Too bad.

But, what I DO want - one is the carbon fiber seat belt guide - the insert that fits into the hole in the middle of the seat back - through which I pass my racing harness on track days. I always worried that the harness would wear out the material there, and was looking for a solution - well it turned out that NISMO had one, many years ago.... (BTW, have no idea how this "Type R" seat is different from the stock item...)

And finally that cool aluminum billet seat reclining knob. A small dress up item, but it would definitely add to the stark interior.

Anyway - if anyone ever comes across these bits, let me know please! I may even pay a finder's fee for them...

So here is the back cover of the catalog - one of my favorite shots, it really differentiates the Series 3 from the other other R33 GT-Rs.